Process for the production of 17-monesters of 17{60 , 21-dihydroxy-steroids and products thereof

ABSTRACT

This invention relates to an improved process for the preparation of 17-monoesters of 17 Alpha , 21-dihydroxy-20-ketosteroids which consists in carrying out the hydrolysis of corresponding 17,21-cyclic orthoesters in a buffered aqueousorganic medium at a pH from about 4 to about 6. This invention also relates to new 17-esters of 17 Alpha , 21-dihydroxy-steroids having an epoxy group at the 9 Beta , 11 Beta -position, useful as intermediates for the preparation of therapeutically active 17-esters.

United States Patent Ercoli et al.

[ Aug. 28, 1-973 PROCESS FOR THE PRODUCTION OF l7-MONESTERS OF 170:,

2 l-DlHYDROXY-STEROIDS ,AND PRODUCTS THEREOF inventors: Alberto ErcolLMilano; Rinaldo Gardi, Carate Brianza; Romano Vitali, Casatenovo, all of Italy Warner-Lambert Pharmaceutical Company, Morris Plains, NJ.

Filed: June 22, 1970 Appl. No.: 48,481

Assignee:

Foreign Application Priority Data June 26, 1969 Italy l8717/A69 U.S. Cl ..260/239.55 R, 260/239.55 D, 260/397.45, 260/397.47 Int. Cl. C07c 173/00 References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 9/1970 Ercoli et al. 260/424 3,345,387 10/1967 Taub et al 260/397.45 3 ,499,08] 3/1970 Krakower r 3,455,968 7/1969 Herzog 260/349 2,897,216 7/1959 Obveto et a1. 260/397.45

FOREIGN PATENTS OR APPLICATIONS l,070,75l 6/1967 Great Britain 260/39745 Primary ExaminerElbert L. Roberts Attorney-Albert l-l. Graddis, Henry E. Millson, .lr., Frank S. Chow, Neil D. Edwards and Anne M. Kelly 5 7] ABSTRACT 20 Claims, No Drawings PROCESS FOR THE PRODUCTHON OF l7-MONESTERS OF 170, ZI-DIHYDROXY-STEROIDS AND PRODUCTS THEREOF The present invention relates to an improved process for the preparation of l7-monoesters of l7a,2l-dihydroxy-ZO-keto-steroids of the pregnane series and to novel l7-monoesters obtained thereby.

It is known from US. Pat. No. 3,152,154 that the 17- monoesters of 17a,2l-dihydroxy-20-keto-steroids can be easily prepared by acid hydrolysis of corresponding 17,2 1 -cyclic orthoesters. This reaction which is preferably carried out in the presence of a mineral or organic acid and in an alcoholic medium at a temperature ranging from room temperature to the boiling point of the alcohol employed, gives the desired l7-monoester in good yield. However, it has been noted that during the hydrolysis of the 17,21-orthoester there is formed besides the desired l7-ester a certain amount of the corresponding 2l-monoester, either as primary reaction by-product or as result of a rearrangement of the primarily formed l7-monoester (Tetrahedron Letters, 1961, No. 13, page 448; Gazzetta Chimica ltaliana, 93, 431; 1963). This 2l-ester is generally present in a relatively low amount but it has been observed that the kind of the starting orthoester and the number of the carbon atoms of the acyl radical as well as the nature of the parent steroid can affect the extent of the formation of said 2l-ester.

In order to avoid the resulting 17-monoester being rearranged to the isomeric 21-monoester, it has been suggested that the acid hydrolysis should be carried out under mild conditions, for example by operating at room temperature in the presence of weak acids. Such conditions, however, are not sufiicient, as a rule, to avoid the formation of 2l-ester and, on the other hand, they can sometimes give rise to incomplete hydrolysis and hence to mixtures containing, besides the desired l7-ester, not negligible amounts of unchanged 17,21- orthoester.

It is therefore an object of this invention to provide an improved method for the commercial production with optimal yield of steroid l7a-monoesters by hydrolysis of the corresponding 17,21-orthoesters.

lt has now been found, and this constitutes the principal object of the present invention, that in performing the conversion of 17,21-cyclic orthoesters to l7-esters it is possible in general to reduce to almost negligible percentage and sometimes to avoid the formation of 2l-esters as reaction by-products, by carrying out the hydrolysis in a buffered aqueous-organic medium at a definite pH value from about pH 4 to about pH 6 and preferably from pH 4.5 to 5.5.

The medium of the reaction comprises a watermiscible organic solvent and an aqueous solution of a buffer of known hydrogen ions concentration, able to give pH values within the above-defined range. Since the addition of a water-miscible organic solvent to a buffer acid solution causes an increase of the pH value, that is a change of the pH towards the neutrality (the entity of such increase being dependent on the amount of the organic solvent), it will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art that the proportion between the organic solvent and the bufier solution of known hydrogen ions concentration will be suitably chosen in order to obtain that the pH of the reaction medium falls within the definite range of from about 4 to about 6.

As water miscible organic solvents there may be used acetone, dioxane, tetrahydrofurane and preferably a lower alkanol from one to four carbon atoms, such as methanol, ethanol, propanol, iso-propanol, n. butanol, iso-butanol and the like.

As a buffer there may be used any buffer solution which gives the desired pH value to the reaction system, for example a solution of an acid salt, such as potassium hydrogen phthalate 0.05M, potassium dihydrogen phosphate l/l 15M. Preferred buffer solutions are those made from known quantities of an acid and a salt or from an acid salt and a base, such as buffered mixtures, prepared according to Sorensen and Clark, of: acetic acid 0.1N sodium acetate 0.1M; hydrochloric acid 0.1N sodium citrate 0.1M; hydrochloric acid 0.2N potassium hydrogen phthalate 0.2M; potassium hydrogen phthalate 0.2M sodium hydroxyde 0.2N; hydrochloric acid 0.1N glycine 0.1N; and the like. The composition of such buffered mixtures and the resulting pH values are well known in the art. They are reported for ex. in the U. S. Pharmacopoeia XVll Edition; and are described by F. W. Kuster and A. Thiel in Logarithms and Tables, 5 l"55" German Edition, pages -155. A particularly suitable buffered aqueous-organic medium is a mixture methanol acetic acid sodium acetate, preferably a mixture of 5 volumes of methanol and 2 volumes of an aqueous solution containing 9 parts of 0.1N acetic acid and 1 part of 0.1M sodium acetate. Such a buffered aqueous-organic medium allows the pl-l of the reaction system to reach th value of about pH 5.

To perform the hydrolysis according to the present invention, the starting 17,21-cyclic orthoester is dissolved or suspended in the chosen organic solvent, the aqueous buffer solution is added to and the resulting reaction mixture is maintained under stirring at room temperature (20-30C) or is heated to reflux. Practically the reaction takes place between room temperature and the boiling point of the aqueous-organic medium. The reaction time depends on the temperature and can vary within a rather wide range, i.e. between 20-30 minutes when the reaction is carried out at reflux, and many hours, when the reaction is carried out at room temperature. The improved process of this invention permits to obtain almost constant results without taking particular precautions, since under the controlled acid conditions from about pH 4 to about pH 6 the l7-monoester is formed in a stable condition and does not rearrange to 21-ester.

The advantage of operating in a buffered aqueousorganic medium according to the present invention will become apparent from the results of Table l, where there are reported the percentages of 21-esters which are obtained, in admixture with the desired l7-esters, by hydrolysis of some representative steroid 17,21- orthoesters either in the presence of 2 N oxalic acid according to the method described in Gazzetta Chimica ltaliana 93, 413; 1963 (pH value about 2) or in the buffered aqueous-organic medium according to this invention (preferred pH value about 5). The percentage of the 2l-ester was evaluated by thin layer chromatography on silica gel (benzene-acetone solvent system 8:2).

TABLE I Zl-ester in admixture with the desired. 17-ester Cortexolone 17,2l-methyl orthoacetate l7 3 Prednisolone 17,2l-methyl orthoacetate 22 3,5 Hydrocortisone 17,21-methyl orthobutyrate 25 Prednisolone 17,2l-methyl orthovalerate 18 3 Prednisolone 17,2l-methyl orthoenanthate 12 2 Prednisolone 17,2l-methyl orthobenaoate ll 1,5-2 Prednisolone 17,21 -methyl orthocyclohexancarboxylate 8 l 9a-Fluoro-prednisolone 17,2 1 -methyl orthovalerate l6 2 Dexamethasone 17,2l-rnethyl orthovalerate 7 1-2 Betamethasone 17,2l-rnethyl orthovalerate 2 trace From the above results it is apparent that the hydrolysis of the 17,2l-cyclic orthoesters according to the method of the prior art gives mixtures of l7-esters and 2l-esters wherein the2l-ester may be present at the rate of l0-20 percent, while the hydrolysis at controlled pl-l according to the present invention allows the amount of by-product to be reduced considerably. Thus, the final product may be isolated in excellent yield and in a pure condition since the little amount of 2l-ester which is formed as by-product of the reaction is fully removed by one simple crystallisation.

The controlled acid hydrolysis, according to the pres ent invention, may be carried out on I7,2l-cyclic orthoesters of any 1701,2l-dihydroxy-2O-keto-steroid of the pregnane series to form the corresponding 17- esters in excellent yield.

The terms orthoester and ester, as used herein, embrace those 17,2l-oethoesters and those l7-esters deriving from any hydrocarbon carboxylic acid, including alkanoic, cyclo-alkanoic and aryl-alkanoic acids, aromatic and heterocyclic carboxylic acids. Usually the alkanoic acids contain from two to 10 carbon atoms, such as acetic, propionic, butyric, isobutyric, Valerie, isovaleric, caproic, enanthic, pelargonic and capric acids; the cycloalkanecarboxylic acids contain from five to seven carbon atoms, such as cyclobutane, cyclopentane, cyclohexane and cycloheptane carboxylic acids; the aryl-alkanoic acids have preferably eight to nine carbon atoms, such as phenylacetic and phenylpropionic, while benzoic acid is particularly preferred among the aromatic carboxylic acids. Other desired orthoester and ester groupings are those deriving from hydrocarbon dicarboxylic acids, such as succinic, oxalic and malonic acids, particularly in the form of mono lower alkyl esters, such as monomethyl and monoethyl succinates, oxalates and malonates.

The 17,2l-cyclic orthoesters, starting materials, are generally well known in the art. In the rare instances in which they are not, they can be easily prepared by applying the orthoesterification method described in the US. Pat. No. 3,147,249 and in Gazzetta Chimica Italiana 93, 413; I963.

Typical steroid 17,2l-orthoesters which can be converted in almost quantitative yield into the corresponding l7-monoesters by the improved method of this invention are those of therapeutically active steroids, such as, for example, hydrocortisone, (ya-fluorohydrocortisone, Qa-fiuoroand 6a,9a-difluorohydrocortisone, prednisolone, 6a-fluoroprednisolone, Qa-fluoro-prednisolone, l6a-methyl-prednisolone, l GB-rnethyl-prednisolone, l6-methylene-prednisolone, 6a,9a-difluoroprednisolone, 6a-fluoro-l fia-methylprednisolone, oa-fluoro-lofi-methylprednisolone, 6afluorol 6-m ethylene-prednisoione, Qa-fluoro- 1 6amethyl-prednisolone, 9a-fluoro-l fi-methylprednisolone, 6a,9a-difiuor0-l 6a-methylprednisolone, 6a,9a-dif1uorol 6B-methylprednisolone, 6oz-methyl-prednisolone, 9a-chloro-prednisolone, 9a-chloro-16a-methylprednisolone, Qa-chloro-l6fi-n1ethyl-prednisolone, 9- 11,1 lfi-dichloro-lfia-methyl-A --pregnadiene-l 701,21 diol-3 ,20-dione, 6a-fluoro-9a,l lB-dichloro- 1 6amethyl-A'"-pregnadiene-l 701,2 1 -diol-3 ,ZO-dione, and the like. The l7-monoesters of this class of steroids, especially the l7-alkanoates, have been found to be extremely active as anti-inflammatory agents.

An important group of l7-monoesters which are easily obtained by the improved process of this invention are those of 3,20-diketol7a,2l-dihydroxy-A- pregnenes and A -pregnadienes bearing an additional 9(11) double bond, or an epoxy group at the 9,8,1 16- position. These compounds are useful intermediates for the preparation of corresponding therapeutically active l7-monoesters. Particularly preferred are compounds characterized by the following structural formula:

wherein the dotted line indicates that a double bond may be present in 1,2-position, R represents an alkyl group containing from one to four carbon atoms or phenyl, X represents hydrogen or fluorine, Y represents hydrogen, a-methyl or B-methyl and where at least one of the substituents X and Y is other than hydrogen. v

These compounds are prepared by hydrolysis under controlled pH conditions of corresponding 17,21- cyclic orthoesters of formula:

wherein the dotted line indicates that a double bond may be present in 1,2-position, Z represents methyl or ethyl and R, X and Y have the above stated meaning.

The novel compounds of formula I, which are a further object of this invention, are of great importance as chemical intermediates since, by opening of the 93,11,8-oxide with hydrogen fluoride according to a method well known in the prior art, they afford the corresponding 9a-fluoro-l lB-hydroxy derivatives which are known as potent antiinflammatory agents, particularly for topical use.

9a-chloro-hydrocortisone,

Representative compounds defined by the formula 1 are: 93,1 l3-oxido-l 63-methyl-A--pregnadienel7a,21-diol-3,20-dione l7-benzoate; 93,113-oxido- 163-methyl-A-"-pregnadiene-17a,21-diol-3,20-dione 17-valerate; 93,1 13-oxido-6a-fluoro-A"-pregnadiene- 1 701,2 1-diol-3,20-dione 17-propionate; 93,1 13-oxido- 6a-fluoro-A"-pregnadiene- 1 701,2 1 -diol-3,20-dione 17- butyrate; 93,1 13-oxido-6a-fluoro-A -pregnadiene- 17a,21-diol-3,20-dione 17-isobutyrate; 93,113-oxido- 6 -fluoro-A--pregnadiene-l701,2l-diol-3,20-dione l7- valerate; and the corresponding 1,2-dihydro derivatives thereof.

The following examples are illustrative of the method and of the products of this invention and are given for illustrative purposes only.

Preparation of 17,21-Cyclic Orthoester Starting Material The preparation of a representative 17,2l-cyclic orthoester of 93,113-epoxy steroid corresponding to Formula l is given below, using the procedure described in the U.S. Pat. No. 3,147,249.

A mixture of 5 g of 93,1l3-oxido-l63-methyl-A pregnadiene 17a,21-diol-3,20-dione, 5 cc of dimethylformamide, 5 cc of methyl orthobenzoate and 8 mg of p. toluenesulphonic acid is heated for 20 hours on oil bath at about 100C while a slow stream of nitrogen is passed through the mixture and the methanol produced as a by-product of the reaction is distilled off. After addition of 2 cc of pyridine to neutralize the acid catalyst, the solvent and the excess of methyl-orthobenzoate are almost completely eliminated under vacuum at moderate temperature. The residue is chromatographed on a column of 200 g of neutral aluminum oxide. By elution with ether-petroleum ether 2.8 g of a crystalline mixture are obtained consisting of 17,21-methyl orthobenzoate of 17a,2 l -dihydroxy-93, l l3-oxido-1 63-methyl-A" -pregadiene-3 ,20-dione.

This compound may be used without further purification for the conversion into the corresponding 17- monobenzoate.

By recristallization from methanol-ether the 17,21- methyl orthobenzoate of this preparation shows MP. l84l86C, [01],, 42 (dioxane, c=l%).

EXAMPLE 1 To a suspension of 5 g of cortexolone 17,21-methylortho-acetate 1 711,2 1 l -methoxy)-ethylidendioxy- A-pregnene-3,20-dione] in 100 cc of methanol, 40 cc of a 9 1 mixture of 0.1 N acetic acid and 0.1 M sodium acetate solutions were added. The reaction mixture having pH 5.4 was refluxed for one hour. After concentration under vacuum, the residue was diluted with water, filtered and dried. There was so obtained 4.7 g of cortexolone l7-acetate (A-pregnene- 1 711,2 1 -diol- 3,20-dione 17-acetate), MP. 19620lC, containing about 1.5% of the corresponding 21-acetate and 1% of free alcohol. Yield 98%. By recrystallization from acetone-ether containing a small quantity of methanol, practically pure cortexolone 17-acetate was obtained; M.P. 198-201C, [01],, +41 (dioxane, c=1%). Yield 79.9%.

Comparable results were obtained by performing the reaction at 30-35C for 48 hours under stirring.

EXAMPLE 2 A suspension of 200 mg of betamethasone 17,21- methyl orthovalerate 17a,21( 1 -methoxy)-n- 6 pentylidenedioxy-9a-fluoro-l 63-methyl-A pregnadien-l13-ol-3,20-dione] in 10 cc of methanol and 2 cc ofa mixture of 49.3 parts of aqueous 0.1 N hydrochloric acid and 50.7 parts of aqueous 0.1 M sodium citrate (final pH value 5.4) was refluxed for one hour. The mixture was then evaporated in vacuo and the residue taken up with water. By filtration, there was obtained 185 mg of betamethasone l7-valerate melting at l186C. Thin layer chromatography showed that this product contained only traces of the corresponding 21-valerate. After one crystallization from an acetone-hexane mixture, 170 mg of pure betamethasone l7-valerate were obtained; MP. 186-189C [11],, 76 (dioxane, c=0.5%). 4

The same results were obtained by effecting the hydrolysis at room temperature (about 30C) for 30 hours under stirring. This procedure was repeated by using a mixture of 10 cc of methanol and 2 cc of an aqueous solution containing 0.2 N hydrochloric acid (25.75 cell) and 0.2 M potassium hydrogen phthalate (250 cell) as a buffered aqueous-alcoholic medium.

EXAMPLE 3 A suspension of 5.5 g of hydrocortisone 17,21- methylorthoacetate 1 701,21 l -methoxy ethylidenedioxy-N-pregnen-113-ol-3,20-dione] in 125 cc of methanol and 50 cc of a mixture of 50.1 parts of 0.1 N hydrochloric acid and 49.9 parts of 0.1 M sodium citrate (final pH value: 5.00) was heated on a water bath until complete solution of the orthoester and then at reflux for 3 hours. The reaction mixture was then evaporated under vacuum and the residue taken up with water. Upon filtration there was obtained 4.8 g of hydrocortisone l7-acetate melting at 233-237C. Thin layer chromatography showed that this product contained about 2 percent of the corresponding 2l-acetate. After one crystallization from ethyl acetate, 3.5 g of pure hydrocortisone 17-acetate was obtained. M.P. 234237C.

Comparable results were obtained by using a mixture of 125 cc of methanol and 50 cc of an aqueous solution containing 0.2 N hydrochloric acid (21.5 cc/l and 0.2 M potassium hydrogen phthalate (250 cc/l as a buffered aqueous-alcoholic medium.

EXAMPLE 4 A suspension of 1 g 17a,21-( l -methoxy)- ethylidenedioxy-93,l l3-oxido-A -pregnene-3 ,20-dione in 20 cc of methanol was treated with 8 cc of a 9 1 mixture of 0.1 N acetic acid and 0.1 M sodium acetate solutions. The mixture was refluxed on a water bath for minutes then concentrated under reduced pressure. The residue, taken up with water, filtered and dried, afforded 93,1 lfi-oxido-N-pregnene- 1 701,2 1 -diol-3,20- dione 17-acetate, containing about 5 percent of corresponding 21-acetate, in 78 percent yield: MP. 183-l85C, [11:1 58.5 (dioxane, C=1%).

After one crystallization from acetone-ethyl ether, pure 93,1 l3-oxido A-pregnen-17a,21-diol-3,20-dione l7-acetate was obtained. MP 193-195C, [01],, 69 (dioxane, c=1%).

By hydrolysing the same starting product with 2 N oxalic acid according to the method described in Gazzetta Chimica ltaliana, 93, 413 (1963) a material was obtained melting at 167171C, [01],, 39 (dioxane, c=1%), which on thin layer chromatography showed to consist of a mixture of 93,113-oxido-N-pregnenel7a,2l-diol-3,20-dione l7-acetate and 21-acetate in the ratio 7:3 as well as of the 3 percent of the corresponding l7,2l-dihydroxy compound.

Analogous results were obtained by hydrolysing the 170:,21 l rnethoxy)-ethylidenedioxy-93,l 1 3-oxido- A--pregnadiene-3,ZO-dione.

EXAMPLE 5 To a suspension of 1 g of l7a,2l-(l-methoxy)- benzylidenedioxy-93,l l 3-oxido-l 63-methyl-N- pregnene-3,20-dione in cc of methanol, 8 cc of a 9 1 mixture of 0.1 N acetic acid and 0.1 M sodium acetate solutions was added. The mixture was refluxed on a water bath for 90 minutes then concentrated under reduced pressure. The residue, taken up with water, filtered and dried, afforded 93,113-oxido-l63-tnethyl- A-pregnene 17a,21-diol-3 ,20-dione 17-benzoate containing the corresponding 21-benzoate in an amount less than 1 percent.

EXAMPLE 6 To a suspension of 5 g of l7a,21-(1-methoxy)- benzylidenedioxy93,l l 3-oxidol 63-methyl-A--pregnadiene-3,20-dione in 200 cc of methanol, 80 cc of a 9 1 mixture of 0.1 N acetic acid and 0.1 M sodium acetate solutions was added. The mixture was refluxed on a water bath for 90 minutes, then concentrated under reduced presure. The residue, taken up with water, filtered and dried, afforded 4,355 g of 93,1 13-oxido-163- methyl-A -pregnadiene- 1 701,2 1 diol-3 ,20-dione l7- benzoate containing the corresponding 21-benzoate in an amount less than 1 percent; h,,.,,,234235 mu, E a 471.

93,1 1 3-oxidol 63-methyl-A"-pregnadiene- 1 701,2 1 diol-3,20-dione l7-benzoate is a novel intermediate of great practical importance, because it can be easily converted into betamethasone l7-benzoate (which is a compound very active as an antiinflammatory agent, particularly for topical use) according to the following procedure:

A solution of 400 mg of 93,113-oxido-l63-methyl- A"-pregnadiene- 1 701,2 1 diol-3 ,20-dione l7-benzoate in 5 cc of chloroform is cooled to -50C and treated with 5 cc of a 17 percent by weight solution of anhydrous hydrogen fluoride in tetrahydrofurane. The solution is kept at to 20C for 3 hours, then poured into an aqueous solution of potassium carbonate. The organic phase is separated and washed with a saturated sodium chloride solution. After complete elimination of the solvent, the residue is taken up with ether and filtered to give betamethasone 17 benzoate, MP. 225-231C, [n1 62:2" (dioxane, c=1%).

' In an analogous manner, by hydrolysing the 170:,21- l methoxy)-n-pentylidenedioxy-93, 1 13-oxido-l63- methyl-A"-pregnadiene-3,ZO-dione with a mixture of 5 volumes of methanol and 2 volumes of an aqueous solution containing 9 parts of 0.1 N acetic acid and 1 part of 0.1 M sodium acetate, 93,113-oxido-l63- methyI-A -pregnadiene-I 701,2 1 diol-3 ,ZO-dione l7- valerate, containing the corresponding 21-valerate in an amount less than 2 percent, was obtained in practically quantitative yield. This compound, treated with hydrogen fluoride as set forth above, yielded betamethasone l7-valerate; My. 186-l89C; [11],, 77 (dioxane, c=0.5%).

EXAMPLE 7 To a suspension of 10 g of l7a,2l-(l-methoxy)-nbutylidenedioxy-93,l 1B-oxido-a-fluoro-A -pregnadiene-3,20-dione in 200 cc of methanol cc of a 9 1 mixture of 0.1 N acetic acid and 0.1 M sodium acetate solutions was added. The reaction mixture was refluxed for 1 hour. After concentration under vacuum, the residue was diluted with water, filtered and dried. 93,1 l3-oxido-6a-fluoro-A -pregnadiene-1701,2 l-diol- 3,20-dione 17-butyrate, containing the corresponding Zl-butyrate in an amount less than 3 percent, was so obtained in practically quantitative yield. The compound thus obtained, subjected to a treatment with hydrogen fluoride as set forth in Example 6, afforded 60:,9oz-difluoroprednisolone l7-butyrate, a potent antiinflammatory agent.

In an analogous manner, the l7-propionate, the 17- iso-butyrate and the l7-valerate of 93,113-oxido-6afluoro-A -pregnadiene-l 7a,2l-dio1-3 ,ZO-dione, containing less than 3 percent of the corresponding 21- esters, were obtained. These intermediates, treated with hydrogen fluoride as set forth in Example 6, yielded the l7-propionate, the l7-isobutyrate and the l7-valerate of 6a,9a-difluoroprednisolone which compounds possess valuable antiinflammatory properties.

EXAMPLE 8 To a suspension of 2 g of l7a,21-( l -methoxy)- benzylidenedioxyl 63-methyl-A "pregnadiene- 3,20-dione in 60 cc of methanol, 24 cc of a 9 1 mixture of 0.1 N acetic acid and 0.1 M sodium acetate solutions was added. The mixture was refluxed for 3 hours, then concentrated under reduced pressure. The residue, taken up with water, filtered and dried, yielded 1.79 g (92.5 percent of the theoretical) of 163-methyl- A -pregnadiene- 1 741,2 1 diol-3 ,ZO-dione l 7- benzoate which on thin layer chromatography showed only one spot; MP. 233-235C.

This intermediate may be converted into betarnethasone l7-benzoate by the conventional steps of: introduction of a double bond at the 1-position, epoxidation of the double bond of the 9(11) position and subsequent cleavage of the resultant 93,1l3-epoxide with hydrogen fluoride according to the procedure described in Example 6.

EXAMPLE 9 To a suspension of 5 g of l7a,21-( l -methoxy)- benzylidenedioxy-A -pregnadien-1 13-ol-3 ,ZO-dione in 200 cc of methanol, 80 cool a 9 1 mixture of 0.1 N acetic acid and 0.1 M sodium acetate was added. By operating as described in Example 8, prednisoione l7- benzoate, which on thin layer chromatography showed only one spot, was obtained in percent yield. After one crystallization from an acetone-diethyl ether mixture, the product melted at 242244C, [01],, 2l.5il.5 (dioxane, c=1%). The same results were obtained by operating in a buffered aqueous-organic medium consisting of cc of methanol and 50 cc of a hydrochloric acid-sodium citrate or hydrochloric acid-potassium hydrogen phthaiate mixture as set forth in Example 3.

Prednisolone 17-benzoate exhibits by parenteral route a very prolonged antiinflammatory activity and it is particulary useful for the systemic treatment of int'lammatory and allergic conditions. The product can be prepared in the form of injectable solutions or suspensions and can be administered by subcutaneous or intra-articular way at doses ranging from 1 to 40 mg, preferably from 2.5 to 20 mg, dissolved or suspended in a suitable vehicle, such as water, an alcohol, a glycol, a vegetable oil or their mixtures.

EXAMPLE Operating as previously described the following compounds were obtained: 113,17a,21-trihydroxy-A""- pregnadiene-3,20-dione 17-(2-carbethoxyacetate), by hydrolysis of 1 lB-hydroxy-1711,2 l l -ethoxy-2- carbethoxyethylidenedioxy)-A"-pregnadiene-3,20- dione. M.P. 170-174C; [11] 66, (dioxane, c=l l 1B,l711,2l-trihydroxy-A "-pregnadiene-3,20- dione l7-hemimalonate by hydrolysis of 11 B-hydroxy- 1 711,21-( 1 -ethoxy-2-carboxyethylidenedioxy)-A-"- pregnadiene-3.20-dione. MP. 180184C; [11],, 7l.2, (dioxane, c=l%). 911-fluoro-l lB,l711,21-trihydroxy-IGB-methyI-A pregnadiene-3,20-dione l7-(2-carbethoxyacetate) by hydrolysis of 9o1-fluoro-l l B-hydroxy-l711,2 l 1 ethoxy-Z -carbethoxy-ethylidenedioxy l 6fi-methyl A -pregnadiene-3,20-dione. M.P. 180l85C; [11],, +68.6, (dioxane, c=l%).

911-fluoro- 1 1,6,1711,21-trihydroxy-l6B-methyl-A-- pregnadiene-3,20-dione l7-hemimalonate by hydrolysis of 911-fluoro-1 1B-hydroxy-1711,21-( 1 -ethoxy-2- carboxyethylidenedioxy)-16fl-methyl-A -pregnadiene-3,20-dione. MP. 192194C; [11],, 84, (dioxane, c=l%).

1 15,1 711,2 1 -trihydroxy-A" -pregnadiene-3 ,20-dione l- 7-( 1 -carbomethoxyformate)-l 1B-hydroxy-1711,21-( 1 methoxy-l -carbomethoxymethylenedioxy )-A" -pregnadiene-3,20-dione. M.P. 2l0-215C; [11],, +76.7 (dioxane, c=1%).

l 16,1711,2l-trihydroxy-A"-pregnadiene-3 ,20-dione l7-hemioxalate by hydrolysis of l1B-hydroxy-1711,21- l -methoxy-l -carboxymethylenedioxy)-A"-pregnadiene-3,20-dione, potassium salt. M.P. 300-305C; [11],, +71.2 (water, r.=O.5%)

911-fluoro-l 15,1 711,21-trihydroxy-1 6B-methyl-A-- pregnadiene-3,20-dione l7-( 1 -carbomethoxyformate) by hydrolysis of 911-fluoro-11B-hydroxy-17a,2l-(1- methoxy- 1 -carbomethoxy-methylenedioxy)-l 6B- methyl-A"-pregnadiene-3,20-dione. MP. 220-228C; [11],, +10l.3, (dioxane, c=l%).

911-fluoro-1 18,1 711,2 1 -trihydroxy-1 6fi-methyl-A pregnadiene-3,20-dione l7-hemioxalate by hydrolysis of 9afluoro-l 1B-hydroxy-l711,2l-( 1-methoxy-l carboxymethylenedioxy)-16B-methyl-A -pregnadiene-3,20-dione. M.P. l60165C; [111 98, (dioxane, 1=1%).

EXAMPLE 1 l A suspension of 2.5 g of prednisolone 17,2l-methyl ortho-cyclohexancarboxylate in 70 cc of methanol was treated with 28 cc of a mixture of 50.1 parts of 0.1 N hydrochloric acid and 49.9 parts of 0.1 M sodium citrate, the pH value of this medium being about 4.9. The reaction mixture was maintained under stirring at room temperature (about 30C) for hours, then was concentrated under vacuum and the residue taken up with water, filtered and dried. The product examined on thin layer chromatography showed to be almost pure prednisolone 17-cyclohexancarboxylate (yield 99 percent) containing less than 1 percent of the corresponding 2 l -cyclohexancarboxylate.

The same hydrolysis carried out at about pH 2 with 2 N oxalic acid gave a l7-cyclohexancarboxylate containing about 8 percent of the corresponding 2l-ester.

EXAMPLE l2 l711,21-( l -methoxy)-benzylidenedioxy-lofl-methyl- A"' -pregnatriene-3,20-dione was hydrolyzed following the procedure of Example 8 to obtain 16B- methyl-A""""-pregnatriene 1711,2 l -diol-3,20-dionc l7-benzoate which on thin layer chromatography showed only one spot.

This compound may be converted by epoxidation, according to the method described by Taub et a]. in J. Am. Chem. Soc. 82, pp. 4012-4026 (1960), into 98,]- lfi-oxido-l6B-methyl-A'"-pregnadiene-1711,2l-diol- 3,20-dione l7-benzoate, the compound of Example 6.

We claim:

1. In a process for the preparation of l7-monoesters ofl701,2l-dihydroxy-2O-ketosteroids of the pregnane series which process comprises subjecting to acid hydrolysis the corresponding 17,21-cyclic orthoesters, the improvement wherein the hydrolysis of said l7,21- cyclic orthoesters of 17c1,2l-dihydroxy-20-ketosteroids is conducted in a buffered aqueous-organic medium at a pH within the range between about pH 4 and about pH 6, utilizing a buffer system selected from the group consisting of 0.1N acetic acid and 0.1M sodium acetate; 0.1N hydrochloric acid and 0.1M sodium citrate; 0.2N hydrochloric acid and 0.2M potassium hydrogen phthalate; 0.2M potassium hydrogen phthalate and 0.2N sodium hydroxide; 0.1N hydrochloric acid and 0.1N glycine; and 0.05M potassium hydrogen phthalate and 1/ 15M potassium dihydrogen phosphate.

2. A process as claimed in claim 1 in which the pH of said buffered aqueous-organic medium is from 4.5 to 5.5.

3. A process as claimed in claim 11' in which an aqueous solution of 0.1M acetic acid and 0.1M sodium acetate is used as a buffer.

4. A process as claimed in claim 1 in which an aqueous solution of 0.1N hydrochloric acid and 0.1M sodium citrate is used as a buffer.

5. A process as claimed in claim 11 in which an aqueous solution of 0.2N hydrochloric acid and 0.2M potas sium hydrogen phthalate is used as a buffer.

6. A process as claimed in claim 3 in which a mixture of 5 volumes of methanol and 2 volumes of an aqueous solution containing 9 parts of 0.1N acetic acid and 1 part of 0. 1M sodium acetate is used as a buffered aqueous-organic medium.

7. A process for the preparation of l7o1-acetoxy-A- pregnen-2l-ol-3,20-dione which comprises hydrolysing the 1711,21-(1 -methoxy)-ethylidenedioxy-A"- pregnene-3,20-dione in a buffered aqueous-organic medium having a p11 in the range of from 4.5 to 5.5, utilizing a buffer system selected from the group consisting of 0.1N acetic acid and 0.1M sodium acetate; 0.1N hydrochloric acid and 0.1M sodium citrate; 0.2N hydrochloric acid and 0.2M potassium hydrogen phthalate; 0.2M potassium hydrogen phthalate and 0.2N sodium hydroxide; 0.1N hydrochloric acid and 0.1N glycine; and 0.05M potassium hydrogen phthalate and l/lSM potassium dihydrogen phosphate.

8. A process for the preparation of 17-esters of 17,2- 1-dihydroxy-3 ,ZO-diketo-N-pregnenes and A pregnadienes bearing a 9( l 1) double bond or an epoxy group at the 9B,] lfl-position which comprises hydrolysing a corresponding 17,21-cyclic orthoester in a buffered aqueous-organic medium having a pH in the rangeof from 4.5 to 5.5, utilizing a buffer system selected from the group consisting of 0. lN acetic acid and 0.1M sodium acetate; 0.1N hydrochloric acid and 0.1M sodium citrate; 0.2N hydrochloric acid and 0.2M potassium hydrogen phthalate; 0.2M potassium hydrogen phthalate and 0.2N sodium hydroxide; 0.1N hydrochloric acid and (MN glycine; and 0.05M potassium hydrogen phthalate and l/lSM potassium dihydrogen phosphate.

9. A process for the preparation of a compound of formula:

wherein the dotted line indicates the presence of a single or double bond in 1,2 position, Z represents methyl or ethyl and X, Y and R have the above stated meaning, in a buffered aqueous-organic medium having a pH within the range from about 4 to about 6, utilizing a buffer system selected from the group consisting of 0.1N acetic acid and 0.1M sodium acetate; 0.1N hydrochloric acid and 0.1M sodium citrate; 0.2N hydrochloric acid and 0.2M potassium hydrogen phthalate; 0.2M potassium hydrogen phthalate and 0.2N sodium hydroxide; 0.1N hydrochloric acid and 0.1N glycine; and 0.05M potassium hydrogen phthalate and 1/ M potassium dihydrogen phosphate.

10. A process as claimed in claim 9 in which the pH of said buffered aqueous-organic medium is from 4.5 to 5.5.

11. A process as claimed in claim 9 in which the starting l7,2l-orthoester is l7a,2 l-( l -methoxy)- benzylidenedioxy-9B,l lB-oxidol 6B-methyl-A- pregnene-3,20-dione and the product of the hydrolysis is the l7-benzoate of 9B,l lB-oxido-l6B-methyl A- pregnene-l 7a,2 l -diol-3 ,ZO-dione.

12. A process as claimed in claim 9 in which the starting l 7,2l-orthoester is l7a,2l-( l '-methoxy)- benzylidenedioxy-9B,l lB-oxido-l 6H-methyl-A "-pregnadiene-3,20-dione and the product of the hydrolysis is the l7-benzoate of 93,1 lfi-oxido-l6fi-methyl-A pregnadiene- 1 701,2 1 -diol-3 ,ZO-dione.

13. A compound of formula:

(IIHQOH -o-co-a /\l/ ork z wherein R represents an alkyl group containing from one to four carbon atoms or phenyl, X represents hydrogen or fluorine, Y represents hydrogen, a-methyl or B-methyl and at least one of the substituents X and Y is other than hydrogen.

l4. 9,8,1 1 B-oxido- 1 6/3-methyl-A"-pregnadienel7a,2 l -diol-3,20-dione l7-benzoate.

15. 9,3,] 1 B-oxidol GB-methyl-A -pregnadiene- 1 701,2 1 -diol-3,20-dione l 7-valerate.

16. 95,1 lB-oxido-fia-fluoro-A' --pregnadiene- 1 701,2 1 -diol-3,20-dione l7-propionate.

17. 93,1 lB-oxido-6a-fluoro-A"-pregnadiene- 1 701,21 -diol-3,20-dione l7-butyrate.

l8. 9,8,1 lB-oxido-(wa-fluoro-A"-pregnadienel 701,2 1 -diol-3,20-dione l7-is0butyrate.

19. 9B,] lB-oxido-ba-fluoro-A "-pregnadienel 7a,2 l -diol-3 ,20-dione 17-valerate.

20. A process for the preparation of prednisolone 17- benzoate which comprises hydrolysing l7a,2l-( l lower alkyl)-benzylidenedioxy-A"-pregnadien l IB-ol- 3,20-dione in a buffered aqueous-organic medium having a pH value from about 4 to about 6, utilizing a buffer system selected from the group consisting of O. IN acetic acid and 0.1M sodium acetate; 0.1N hydrochloric acid and 0. M sodium citrate; 0.2N hydrochloric acid and 0.2M potassium hydrogen phthalate; 0.2M potassium hydrogen phthalate and 0.2N sodium hydroxide; 0.1N hydrochloric acid and 0.1N glycine; and 0.05M potassium hydrogen phthalate and 1115M potassium dihydrogen phosphate.

PatentNo. 3 755 302 Dated August 28 1973 Inventor(s) It is certified that errer appears in the above-identified patent and that said Letters Patent are hereby corrected as shown. below:

Celumn 2 line 12 "1/115 M should read M 1/15 M Column 3 Table I, the heading should be completed as follows:

TABLE I Q Z, 2l=ester id admixture with the desired l7=ester shbuld be TABLE I 7o Zl- -eSterifi' Starting orthoester; admixture with the desired l7-ester pH-2 Q 2145 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE CERTIFICATE OF CORRECTION Patent No. 3,755,302 Dated August 2Q, 1973 In'venwfl Alberto Ercoli. Rinaldo Gardi and Romano Vitali It is certified that error appears in the above-identified patent and that said Letters Patent are hereby corrected as shown below:

Column 5, line 37 "-A -pregadiene" should read -A -pregnadiene Column 9, line 34 in Example 10, "7- (l'-carbomethoxyformate)-ll5- hydroxy-" should read 7-(l'carbomethoxyformate) from 116- hydroxy- Column 12, Claim-13, a definite double bond (rather than an optional double bond) should be inserted in the 1-2 position of the formula as follows:

should be Signed and sealed this 30th day of April 19714..

(SEAL) Attest:

EDIYARD ILELETCHEILJR. H u 0. MARSHALL DANII -A ttesting Officer Commissioner of Patents I FORM PO-IOSO H069) USCOMM-DC 60376-969 t v.5. aovnlmngv "Ingmar. only nu q m|-q1 

2. A process as claimed in claim 1 in which the pH of said buffered aqueous-organic medium is from 4.5 to 5.5.
 3. A process as claimed in claim 1 in which an aqueous solution of 0.1N acetic acid and 0.1M sodium acetate is used as a buffer.
 4. A process as claimed in claim 1 in which an aqueous solution of 0.1N hydrochloric acid and 0.1M sodium citrate is used as a buffer.
 5. A process as claimed in claim 1 in which an aqueous solution of 0.2N hydrochloric acid and 0.2M potassium hydrogen phthalate is used as a buffer.
 6. A process as claimed in claim 3 in which a mixture of 5 volumes of methanol and 2 volumes of an aqueous solution containing 9 parts of 0.1N acetic acid and 1 part of 0.1M sodium acetate is used as a buffered aqueous-organic medium.
 7. A process for the preparation of 17 Alpha -acetoxy- Delta 4-pregnen-21-ol-3,20-dione which comprises hydrolysing the 17 Alpha ,21-(1''-methoxy)-ethylidenedioxy- Delta 4-pregnene-3,20-dione in a buffered aqueous-organic medium having a pH in the range of from 4.5 to 5.5, utilizing a buffer system selected from the group consisting of 0.1N acetic acid and 0.1M sodium acetate; 0.1N hydrochloric acid and 0.1M sodium citrate; 0.2N hydrochloric acid and 0.2M potassium hydrogen phthalate; 0.2M potassium hydrogen phthalate and 0.2N sodium hydroxide; 0.1N hydrochloric acid and 0.1N glycine; and 0.05M potassium hydrogen phthalate and 1/15M potassium dihydrogen phosphate.
 8. A process for the preparation of 17-esters of 17,21-dihydroxy-3,20-diketo- Delta 4-pregnenes and Delta 1,4-pregnadienes bearing a 9(11) double bond or an epoxy group at the 9 Beta ,11 Beta -position which comprises hydrolysing a corresponding 17,21-cyclic orthoester in a buffered aqueous-organic medium having a pH in the range of from 4.5 to 5.5, utilizing a buffer system selected from the group consisting of 0.1N acetic acid and 0.1M sodium acetate; 0.1N hydrochloric acid and 0.1M sodium citrate; 0.2N hydrochloric acid and 0.2M potassium hydrogen phthalate; 0.2M potassium hydrogen phthalate and 0.2N sodium hydroxide; 0.1N hydrochloric acid and 0.1N glycine; and 0.05M potassium hydrogen phthalate and 1/15M potassium dihydrogen phosphate.
 9. A process for the preparation of a compound of formula:
 10. A process as claimed in claim 9 in which the pH of said buffered aqueous-organic medium is from 4.5 to 5.5.
 11. A process as claimed in claim 9 in which the starting 17,21-orthoester is 17 Alpha ,21-(1''-methoxy)-benzylidenedioxy-9 Beta , 11 Beta -oxido-16 Beta -methyl- Delta 4-pregnene-3,20-dione and the product of the hydrolysis is the 17-benzoate of 9 Beta ,11 Beta -oxido-16 Beta -methyl Delta 4-pregnene-17 Alpha ,21-diol-3,20-dione.
 12. A process as claimed in claim 9 in which the starting 17,21-orthoester is 17 Alpha ,21-(1''-methoxy)-benzylidenedioxy-9 Beta , 11 Beta -oxido-16 Beta -methyl- Delta 1,4-pregnadiene-3,20-dione and the product of the hydrolysis is the 17-benzoate of 9 Beta , 11 Beta -oxido-16 Beta -methyl- Delta 1,4-pregnadiene-17 Alpha , 21-diol-3,20-dione.
 13. A compound of formula:
 14. 9 Beta ,11 Beta -oxido-16 Beta -methyl- Delta 1,4-pregnadiene-17 Alpha ,21-diol-3,20-dione 17-benzoate.
 15. 9 Beta ,11 Beta -oxido-16 Beta -methyl- Delta 1,4-pregnadiene-17 Alpha ,21-diol-3,20-dione 17-valerate.
 16. 9 Beta ,11 Beta -oxido-6 Alpha -fluoro- Delta 1,4-pregnadiene-17 Alpha ,21-diol-3,20-dione 17-propionate.
 17. 9 Beta ,11 Beta -oxido-6 Alpha -fluoro- Delta 1,4-pregnadiene-17 Alpha ,21-diol-3,20-dione 17-butyrate.
 18. 9 Beta ,11 Beta -oxido-6 Alpha -fluoro- Delta 1,4-pregnadiene-17 Alpha ,21-diol-3,20-dione 17-isobutyrate.
 19. 9 Beta ,11 Beta -oxido-6 Alpha -fluoro- Delta 1,4-pregnadiene-17 Alpha ,21-diol-3,20-dione 17-valerate.
 20. A process for the preparation of prednisolone 17-benzoate which comprises hydrolysing 17 Alpha ,21-(1''-lower alkyl)-benzylidenedioxy- Delta 1,4-pregnadien 11 Beta -ol-3,20-dione in a buffered aqueous-organic medium having a pH value from about 4 to about 6, utilizing a buffer system selected from the group consisting of 0.1N acetic acid and 0.1M sodium acetate; 0.1N hydrochloric acid and 0.1M sodium citrate; 0.2N hydrochloric acid and 0.2M potassium hydrogen phthalate; 0.2M potassium hydrogen phthalate and 0.2N sodium hydroxide; 0.1N hydrochloric acid and 0.1N glycine; and 0.05M potassium hydrogen phthalate and 1/15M potassium dihydrogen phosphate. 